I usually go for a bruiser-like character when I play games like ToS, meaning I like to provide a lot of CC and utility while having enough damage not to be ignored by enemies, so the Cataphract class attracts me a lot and I’ll be testing ways of building it in this beta. However I haven’t played previous beta tests and would like some insight from more experienced players who have seen the class in action.
I came up with the build path that I think is most efficient for playing that role. The way I spent points in Swordsman C1 skills may differ because I’ll be testing how good of a skill Thrusting is for filling the space between the other skills cooldowns
Swordsman → Peltasta → Hoplite → Cataphract C3
I’d use a one hande spear and a shield. That makes you more resistant so you can get in the opponent’s face (Trot helps here) and deal some damage or impale some squishy DPS
- Peltasta has a knockdown and 25% stun chance in Umbo Blow and a 25% HP increase in Swash Buckling. Guardian doesn’t interest me as it will decrease the damage dealt. SB also helps a lot with leveling.
- Hoplite’s Finestra and Pierce are good damage skills.
- For Cataphract skills, just 1 point in Impaler for the utility, Earth Wave, Rush and Doom Spike get more points for damage, trot to help close the gap.
Cataphract skills, just 1 point in Impaler for the utility, Earth Wave, Rush and Doom Spike for damage, trot to help close the gap.
So, here’s where I need help:
-
First of all, I’d appreciate comments on the build. What would you change?
-
How’s Synchro Thrusting in terms of damage? I chose Stabbing for the rare times the opponent is locked down and for bossing in PVE. If it’s worth it (read: if Stabbing is really that hard to land in PVP), I’ll get ST instead, since I’ll be using a shield.
-
To achieve good damage I’d allocate stat points like DEX > STR > CON for some nice crits. But I rely on Finestra for damage, which lowers my evasion. Is it worth it to go DEX then, or would STR ≈ CON > DEX be better? Or would you just ditch Finestra and get Synchro Thrusting?
Also, I thought on alternative builds to test in this beta too.
First, Swordsman C2 → Peltasta → Hoplite C2 → Cataphract. With this I’d have more points in Finestra, which for me would make it worth it to invest in DEX. Pierce offers more reliable damage too, since Cataphract’s skills have a sorta long cast time. Second, Swordsman C2 → Hoplite C3 → Cataphract. I’d use a two hand spear with that, which in theory provides more damage. Autoattacking would be more impactful, and, in exchange for Peltasta’s skills, you get a long range bind and even more damage on pierce.
The reason I’m considering those other two builds is that I don’t know if Cata C3 is worth it. Rush is really good to, well, rush in, but I believe you’re missing out on damage going more than 1 rank into Cataphract since you won’t be channeling your damage skills for too long anyway. If Barbarian’s skills were usable while mounted, life would be so much easier 
Help me out here guys
Thanks in advance
I thnk lol